Folding head restraint assembly for convertible vehicle

ABSTRACT

A vehicle head restraint assembly is provided with a folding head restraint mechanism for pivoting a head restraint between use and folded positions. A head restraint is mounted to the folding head restraint mechanism. A controller for a convertible roof may be provided in electrical communication with the folding head restraint mechanism and configured for electrical communication with the convertible roof. The controller has computer executable instructions for producing a first output to actuate the convertible roof and for producing a second output to actuate the folding head restraint mechanism. An actuator may be provided and connected to the folding head restraint mechanism and to the convertible roof. The actuator has a first output to actuate the folding head restraint mechanism and a second output to actuate the convertible roof of the vehicle. A method for actuating a convertible roof and a folding head restraint assembly is provided.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

Multiple embodiments relate to folding head restraint assemblies forconvertible vehicles.

2. Background Art

Vehicle seats are often provided with moveable head restraints, whichcan move to accommodate a head of an occupant and/or can move to variousstowed positions to decrease the size of the vehicle seats. One exampleof a vehicle seat having a movable head restraint is disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 7,044,555 B2, which issued on May 15, 2006 to Saberan.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle seat having afolding head restraint assembly for a convertible vehicle in a useposition;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle seat having a folding headrestraint assembly of FIG. 1 in a folded position;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating at least a portion of an embodimentof a method of operating the folding head restraint assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating at least a portion of anotherembodiment of a method of operating the folding head restraint assemblyof FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating at least a portion of anotherembodiment of a method of operating the folding head restraint assemblyof FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating at least a portion of yet anotherembodiment of a method of operating the folding head restraint assemblyof FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in variousand alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; somefeatures may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particularcomponents. Therefore, specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as arepresentative basis for the claims and/or as a representative basis forteaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the presentinvention.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, a vehicle seat is illustrated and referencedgenerally by numeral 10 for use in a convertible vehicle, such as aconvertible automobile or a convertible boat. Convertible vehiclesinclude, but are not limited to, vehicles in which a retracting roof,known as a convertible roof, is moveable between a use position,covering an interior of the vehicle, and a stowed position, exposing theinterior of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the convertible roof forms aportion of the vehicle roof. In another embodiment, the convertible roofforms an entire vehicle roof. Of course, any suitable convertiblevehicle, having a convertible roof that is known in the art, iscontemplated within the scope of the disclosed embodiments.

The vehicle seat 10 may include a seat bottom secured to a floor of anassociated vehicle for seating an occupant upon the seat bottom. A seatback 12 extends from the seat bottom and is secured relative to the seatbottom for supporting a back of the occupant against the seat back 12.In at least one embodiment, the seat back 12 spans across a second rowof seating of the convertible vehicle to provide support for multipleoccupants. In at least one embodiment, the seat back 12 pivots relativeto the seat bottom to permit access to a truck of the convertiblevehicle and/or to permit an occupant to select a comfortable ridingposition while sitting in the vehicle seat 10.

In the depicted embodiments, the vehicle seat 10 includes a folding headrestraint assembly 14. Currently, head restraint assemblies are morecommonly being included in and/or on second rows of vehicle seats. Whenimplementing a head restraint assembly 14 in the second row of seatingwithin the convertible vehicle, additional concerns are created becauseof the movement of the roof of the convertible between the use positionand the stowed position. At least one additional concern created byimplementing the head restraint assembly 14 within the second row of theconvertible vehicle is interference of the head restraint assembly 14with movement of the convertible roof. To alleviate interference of thehead restraint assembly 14 when the folding head restraint assembly 14in the second row of the convertible vehicle, the folding head restraintassembly 14 may be automatically folded in connection with retractingthe roof of the convertible vehicle. Folding the head restraint assembly14 before or during movement of the convertible roof reduces thepotential interference between the head restraint assembly 14 and theroof of the convertible vehicle. Additionally, providing a folding headrestraint assembly 14 reduces work for the occupant because the occupantdoes not have to lower and/or remove the head restraint assembly 14before opening the convertible roof.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the folding head restraint assembly 14 is in ause position. The folding head restraint assembly 14 may fold about anaxis of rotation R_(o) in a first direction indicated by an arrow A₁ orin a second direction indicated by an arrow A₂. Of course, any suitableaxis of rotation R_(o) is contemplated within the scope of the disclosedembodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the folding head restraintassembly 14 has a folded position. In the folded position, the headrestraint assembly 14 has rotated about the axis R_(o) in the directionindicated by arrow A₁ so that the head restraint assembly 14 is stowed.The folding head restraint assembly 14 may return to the use position bymoving in the direction indicated by arrow A₂. In at least oneembodiment, the folded position of the head restraint assembly 14depicted in FIG. 2 corresponds with the stowed position of theconvertible roof that is known in the art.

The folding head restraint assembly 14 reduces height of the headrestraint assembly 14 relative to the seat back 12 between the useposition and the folded position. The folding head restraint assembly 14may move in fore and/or aft directions along with an upright directionrelative to the seat back 12 rather than only the upright direction. Thehead restraint assembly 14 may be any suitable head restraint assembly14 that reduces height of the head restraint assembly 14 relative to theseat back 12 between the use position and the folded position by movingthe head restraint assembly 14 in the fore and/or aft directions alongwith the upright direction relative to the seat back 12.

In at least one embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, approximately onehundred-eighty degrees are between the use position and the foldedposition. In another embodiment, the head restraint 16 pivots at leastninety degrees between the use position and the folded position. In yetanother embodiment, the head restraint 16 pivots at least sixty degreesbetween the use position and the folded position. Of course, the foldinghead restraint assembly 14 may have any range of motion between the useposition and the folded position. One non-limiting example of thefolding head restraint assembly 14 is described in U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2008/0203801, which was filed on Feb. 28,2007 by Jammalamadaka et al. and is incorporated in its entirety herein.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, the folding head restraint assembly 14 issupported by the seat back 12. The head restraint assembly 14 can beseparately mounted to the seat back 12 or can be integrated with theseat back 12 in any suitable manner while allowing the head restraintassembly 14 to fold between at least the use position and the foldedposition. In at least one embodiment, the head restraint assembly 14 canbe moved vertically relative to the seat back 12 for height adjustment.In another embodiment, the head restraint assembly 14 is mounted to arear shelf for a second row of seating of the vehicle interior. Inanother embodiment, the head restraint assembly 14 is mounted on a frameof the vehicle.

In the depicted embodiment, the head restraint assembly 14 has a foldinghead restraint 16 supported by head restraint posts 18. The headrestraint 16 may have cushioning and/or trim 19 mounted thereon. Thehead restraint assembly 14 need not be directly mounted to the seat back12 and may be mounted indirectly to the seat back 12 in any suitablemanner, such as via a secondary frame or support. Alternatively, thehead restraint assembly 14 can be mounted directly to the vehicle body.Of course, any suitable mounting for the head restraint assembly 14 iscontemplated within the scope of the disclosed embodiments.

The head restraint posts 18 may be constructed from a single metal tubeor rod bent to resemble the shape shown in FIGS. 1-2. As illustrated,the head restraint posts 18 include a pair of substantially parallel,upright portions 20 interconnected by a substantially horizontallyoriented crossbar portion 22. In at least one embodiment, the uprightportions 20 are integrally formed with the crossbar portion 22. Inanother embodiment, the upright portions 20 are separately formed fromthe crossbar portion 22 and are joined together in a suitable manner. Inat least one embodiment, the head restraint posts 18 are formed fromonly the crossbar portion 22 and are mounted within the vehicle frame ofthe convertible vehicle rather than to the seat back 12. Of course, anysuitable head restraint posts 18 are contemplated within the scope ofthe disclosed embodiments.

The folding head restraint assembly 14 may include a folding headrestraint mechanism, which can be an electrical folding head restraintmechanism 24 and/or a mechanical folding head restraint mechanism 26.Although an electrical folding head restraint mechanism 24 and amechanical folding head restraint mechanism 26 are described herein asexamples, any suitable folding head restraint mechanism 24, 26 iscontemplated within the scope of the disclosed embodiments. Theelectrical folding head restraint mechanism 24 and/or the mechanicalfolding head restraint mechanism 26 can be mounted within the headrestraint 16. Both the electrical folding head restraint mechanism 24and the mechanical folding head restraint mechanism 26 can individuallyeach fold the head restraint 16 from the use position, illustrated inFIG. 1, to the folded position, illustrated in FIG. 2.

In one embodiment, the electrical folding head restraint mechanism is amotor 24 to power the head restraint 16 to move between the use positionand the folded position. In another embodiment, the electrical foldinghead restraint mechanism is a solenoid 24 to move the head restraint 16to move between the use position and the folded position. Of course, anysuitable electrical folding head restraint mechanism 24 is contemplatedwithin the scope of the disclosed embodiments.

In at least one embodiment, the mechanical folding head restraintmechanism 26 includes a latch and at least one biasing member to allowthe head restraint 16 to move between the use position, illustrated inFIG. 1, and the folded position, illustrated in FIG. 2. In anotherembodiment, the mechanical folding head restraint mechanism 26 includesa linkage to fold the head restraint 16 between the use position and thefolded position. Of course, any suitable mechanical folding headrestraint mechanism 26 is contemplated within the scope of the disclosedembodiments.

In the depicted embodiment, the electrical folding head restraintmechanism 24 is connected to a controller 28 and the mechanical foldinghead restraint mechanism 26 is connected to an actuator 29. In oneembodiment, the controller 28 controls retraction of the convertibleroof of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the actuator 29 controlsretraction of the convertible roof of the vehicle. Both the controller28 and the actuator 29 are provided within the vehicle and may be spacedapart from the vehicle seat 10.

In at least one embodiment, each of the controller 28 and actuator 29has an input I. The input I may be received when an occupant actuates anactuator 30, such as a switch, to retract the convertible roof. Theconvertible roof may be retracted in any suitable manner. The input Imay be an electrical input when sent to the controller 28 or amechanical input when sent to the actuator 29. When the controller 28 orthe actuator 29 receives the input I, the controller 28 or the actuator29 produces a first output signal O_(C) to the convertible roof toactuate the convertible roof. The first output signal O_(C) may beelectrical or mechanical. Of course, any suitable output signal O_(C) iscontemplated within the scope of the disclosed embodiments.

In one embodiment, the controller 28 has computer executableinstructions to provide a second output signal O_(E) to the electricalfolding head restraint mechanism 24, which may also be in response tothe input I to retract the convertible roof. The output signal O_(E) tothe electrical folding head restraint mechanism 24 may be an electronicoutput signal O_(E) that can be transmitted in a wire 32 providedbetween the convertible roof retracting controller 28 and the electricalfolding head restraint mechanism 24. Of course, any suitable outputsignal O_(E) is contemplated within the scope of the disclosedembodiments.

In another embodiment, the actuator 29 provides a second output signalO_(M) to the mechanical folding head restraint mechanism 26. The outputsignal O_(M) to the mechanical folding head restraint mechanism 26 maybe a mechanical output signal O_(M). In one non-limiting example, themechanical output signal O_(M) is a cable member 32 provided between theconvertible roof retracting controller 28 and the folding head restraintmechanism 26 such that the cable member 34 moves in a direction tomechanically actuate the mechanical folding head restraint mechanism 26.Of course, any suitable output signal O_(M) is contemplated within thescope of the disclosed embodiments.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a flowchart is depicted with at least a portionof an embodiment of a method of operating the folding head restraintassembly of FIG. 1. A convertible roof is actuated by the controller ina step within box 36. In at least one embodiment, the convertible roofis actuated by an output of computer executable instructions. Asdiscussed above, any suitable actuation of the convertible roof iscontemplated within the scope of the disclosed embodiments. Thecontroller may send a signal to the head restraint folding mechanism, asseen in a step within box 38. The signal sent in box 38 may be producedthrough computer executable instructions. Of course, any suitable signalcan be sent through the actuation of the convertible roof to the headrestraint folding mechanism. The signal sent in box 38 may beconcurrently sent with convertible roof actuation of step 36. In anotherembodiment, signal sent in box 38 is time delayed a predetermined amountof time after the convertible roof actuation of step 36. In yet anotherembodiment, the signal is sent to the head restraint folding mechanismin step 38 before the convertible roof is actuated in step 36. The headrestraint folding mechanism may then be actuated, in a step within box40, which can fold the head restraint, in a suitable manner as discussedabove. Folding the head restraint while actuating the convertible roof,minimizes potential interference between the head restraint and theconvertible roof. Additionally, work for the occupant is reduced becausethe occupant only needs to actuate a single actuator to retract theconvertible roof and fold the head restraint.

In FIG. 4, the convertible roof is actuated by the controller in thestep within box 36 and the controller sends the signal to the headrestraint folding mechanism in the step within box 38, as discussedabove. The controller may warn the occupant of head restraint actuationin a step within box 39. In at least one embodiment, the controller hascomputer executable instructions to produce the warning. The warning mayoccur upon receipt of the signal sent to the head restraint foldingmechanism or may be time delayed a predetermined amount of time. Anysuitable warning to the occupant may be employed. Examples of warningsinclude but are not limited to providing a light signal on or proximatea vehicle dashboard of head restraint and providing an audio signal. Thehead restraint folding mechanism is actuated, in the step within box 40,which may fold the head restraint.

In FIG. 5, the convertible roof is actuated in the step within box 36and the signal is sent to the head restraint folding mechanism in thestep within box 38. The occupant is warned of head restraint actuationin the step within box 39. The head restraint folding mechanism isactuated, in the step within box 40, which may fold the head restraint.The occupant is reminded through a warning of the loss of head restraintin a step within box 42. In at least one embodiment, the controller hascomputer executable instructions to produce the warning. The loss of thehead restraint is due to the folding of the head restraint by theactuation of the head restraint folding mechanism from the step in box40. The occupant may also be reminded by a warning to return the headrestraint to the use position in a step within box 42 by computerexecutable instructions. Examples of warnings include but are notlimited to providing a light signal on or proximate a vehicle dashboardand providing an audio signal. Of course, any suitable warning iscontemplated within the scope of the disclosed embodiments. The headrestraint is then returned to the use position in a step within box 44.

In FIG. 6, the convertible roof is actuated in the step within box 36and the signal is sent to the head restraint folding mechanism in thestep within box 38. The occupant is warned of head restraint actuationin the step within box 39. The head restraint folding mechanism isactuated, in the step within box 40, which may fold the head restraint.The occupant is reminded of re-actuation of the folding of the headrestraint when the convertible roof is re-actuated to return theconvertible roof to an extended position in a step within box 43. Thereminder may be produced by the computer executable instructions of thecontroller. Examples of reminders for the occupant include but are notlimited to providing a light signal on or proximate a vehicle dashboardand providing an audio signal. Of course, any suitable reminder iscontemplated within the scope of the disclosed embodiments. The headrestraint is then returned to the use position in the step within box44.

While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described,it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe allpossible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in thespecification are words of description rather than limitation, and it isunderstood that various changes may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

1. A vehicle head restraint assembly comprising: a folding headrestraint mechanism for pivoting a head restraint between a use positionand a folded position; a head restraint mounted to the folding headrestraint mechanism; and a controller for a convertible roof inelectrical communication with the folding head restraint mechanism andconfigured for electrical communication with the convertible roof, thecontroller having computer executable instructions for: producing afirst output to actuate the convertible roof of the vehicle, andproducing a second output to actuate the folding head restraintmechanism.
 2. The vehicle head restraint assembly of claim 1 wherein thecomputer executable instructions of the controller further comprise:producing a warning signal upon actuation of the head restraintmechanism.
 3. The vehicle head restraint assembly of claim 1 wherein thecomputer executable instructions of the controller further comprise:producing a warning signal while producing the first output.
 4. Thevehicle head restraint assembly of claim 1 wherein the computerexecutable instructions of the controller further comprise: producing awarning signal a predetermined time after producing the second output.5. The vehicle head restraint assembly of claim 1 wherein the computerexecutable instructions of the controller further comprise: receiving asignal from a switch producing the signal.
 6. The vehicle head restraintassembly of claim 1 further comprising a support rod mounted to the headrestraint, the support rod having a lateral portion such that the headrestraint pivots between the use position and the folded position aboutthe lateral portion.
 7. A vehicle seat comprising: a seat back adaptedto be mounted within the vehicle; the vehicle head restraint assembly ofclaim 6 such that the support rod is mounted proximate to the seat backwithin the vehicle.
 8. A vehicle head restraint assembly comprising: afolding head restraint mechanism for pivoting a head restraint between ause position and a folded position; a head restraint mounted to thefolding head restraint mechanism; and an actuator connected to thefolding head restraint mechanism and connected to the convertible roof,the actuator having a first output to actuate the folding head restraintmechanism and a second output to actuate the convertible roof of thevehicle.
 9. The vehicle head restraint assembly of claim 8 wherein thefirst output further comprises a cable member provided between theactuator and the folding head restraint mechanism.
 10. The vehicle headrestraint assembly of claim 8 further comprising a support rod mountedto the head restraint, the support rod having a lateral portion suchthat the head restraint pivots between the use position and the foldedposition about the lateral portion.
 11. A vehicle seat comprising: aseat back adapted to be mounted within the vehicle; the vehicle headrestraint assembly of claim 10 such that the support rod is mountedproximate to the seat back within the vehicle.
 12. A method foractuating a convertible vehicle roof and a folding head restraintassembly, the method comprising: providing a folding head restraintmechanism for pivoting a head restraint between a use position and afolded position; providing a head restraint mounted to the folding headrestraint mechanism; providing a controller connected to a convertibleroof for a vehicle and connected to the folding head restraintmechanism; producing a first output from the controller to actuate theconvertible roof; producing a second output from the convertible rooffolding controller to actuate the head restraint mechanism in responseto the input; and folding the head restraint to a folded position inresponse to the 14 actuation of the head restraint mechanism.
 13. Themethod of claim 12 further comprising producing a warning upon actuationof the head restraint mechanism.
 14. The method of claim 12 furthercomprising returning the head restraint to a use position.
 15. Themethod of claim 12 further comprising producing a warning when foldingthe head restraint.
 16. The method of claim 12 further comprisingproducing a reminder after folding the head restraint.
 17. The method ofclaim 12 further comprising producing a warning signal a predeterminedtime after producing the second output.
 18. The method of claim 12further comprising producing a warning when producing the first outputfrom the convertible roof folding controller adapted to actuate aconvertible roof.
 19. The method of claim 18 further comprisingreturning the head restraint to a use position.
 20. The method of claim12 further comprising: providing a support rod with a lateral portion;and mounting the head restraint to the lateral portion of the supportrod such that the head restraint pivots between the use position and thefolded position about the lateral portion.